Cholesterol is a type of fat that is produced naturally by the liver or obtained through our diet. It is an important component of cell membranes and is involved in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help digest fat.

However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad cholesterol”), can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What are the different types of cholesterol?

Cholesterol can be divided into two types: LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol (also known as “good cholesterol”).

LDL cholesterol is the main carrier of cholesterol in the blood and tends to build up in the walls of arteries, forming deposits called plaque that can narrow or block blood flow. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is responsible for removing excess cholesterol from the blood and carrying it back to the liver for disposal.

What are the recommended cholesterol levels?

The American Heart Association (AHA) provides the following recommendations for cholesterol levels:.

Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or higher
LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL (or less than 70 mg/dL for those at high risk of heart disease)
Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL

Who should get their cholesterol checked?

The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that all adults aged 20 years or older should have their cholesterol checked at least once every 5 years, or more frequently if they have certain risk factors for heart disease, such as:.

Family history of premature heart disease (heart disease in a first-degree relative before age 55 in men or before age 65 in women)
Smoking
High blood pressure
Diabetes or prediabetes
Overweight or obesity
Inactive lifestyle

How can I lower my cholesterol levels?

If your cholesterol levels are higher than recommended, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help lower them:.

Eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
Quit smoking if you are a smoker.

In addition, some people may need medication to help lower their cholesterol levels. Your doctor can evaluate your individual risk factors and determine the best course of treatment for you.

What happens if my cholesterol levels are too high?

If your cholesterol levels are too high, your doctor may recommend further testing and treatment.

Depending on your individual risk factors, you may need to take medication to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. You may also need to make lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and increasing your physical activity.

In some cases, high cholesterol may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as an underactive thyroid or a liver disorder. Your doctor may order additional tests to rule out these conditions if necessary.

Conclusion

Cholesterol is an important component of our body, but high levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

It is recommended that adults aged 20 years or older should have their cholesterol checked regularly, especially if they have certain risk factors for heart disease. Making lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, and quitting smoking can help lower cholesterol levels.

In some cases, medication may be needed to control cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.